Crockpot Cube Steak with Gravy

Save this recipe on:

Some days, I crave a warm, hearty meal that feels like a comforting hug after a long day — and that’s exactly what this Crockpot Cube Steak with Gravy delivers. This dish takes tenderized cube steaks and slowly cooks them until they’re fall-apart tender, all while bathing in a savory, homemade-style brown gravy that’s rich with flavor. Served alongside mashed potatoes and green beans, it’s the kind of meal that reminds me of Sunday dinners growing up.

What I especially love is that this recipe requires so little effort for such a big payoff. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while I go about my day. By dinnertime, the meat is fork-tender, the gravy is perfectly thickened, and the kitchen smells like pure comfort. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just treating yourself to a cozy dinner, this is one recipe that never disappoints.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Cube Steak with Gravy

• It’s a true dump-and-go slow cooker meal — minimal prep, maximum comfort.
• Cube steak becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender without babysitting a stovetop.
• The homemade gravy is rich, flavorful, and perfect over mashed potatoes.
• It uses pantry staples you likely already have.
• Ideal for batch cooking and reheats beautifully.

What Kind of Cube Steak Should I Use?

Cube steak is typically a cut of top round or top sirloin that’s been tenderized with a meat mallet or machine. You’ll recognize it by its signature textured pattern. I prefer using beef cube steak from the butcher counter when possible — it tends to be fresher and thicker than pre-packaged versions. However, any well-tenderized cube steak will work beautifully in the slow cooker.

Options for Substitutions

• Meat: If you can’t find cube steak, thinly sliced round steak or even pork steaks can be used.
• Gravy Mix: This recipe often calls for brown gravy packets, but you can substitute with homemade roux and beef broth or mushroom gravy for extra depth.
• Cream of Soup: Cream of mushroom or cream of onion soup can be swapped depending on your flavor preference.
• Onions: Not a fan of onions? Try using onion powder instead or leave them out entirely.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free gravy mix and soup to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

---

Ingredients for This Crockpot Cube Steak with Gravy

• Cube Steaks – The star of the recipe, these tenderized cuts soak up the flavor and become incredibly tender during the slow cooking process.
• Brown Gravy Mix – Adds rich, savory depth to the sauce and helps thicken it perfectly.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup – Creates a creamy, comforting base for the gravy and enhances the meaty flavor.
• Beef Broth – Adds moisture and boosts the beefy taste of the dish.
• Onion – Sliced or chopped, onions bring a subtle sweetness and aromatic base to the gravy.
• Garlic Powder – Adds warm, savory flavor without overpowering the dish.
• Black Pepper – Balances the flavors and brings a mild kick to the overall taste.
• Worcestershire Sauce – Provides umami and complexity to the gravy.
• Cornstarch (optional) – For thickening the gravy at the end if needed.

---

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Slice the onions and gather all your ingredients. If you’re using fresh cube steak from the butcher, trim off any excess fat. There’s no need to sear the meat ahead — though you can if you’d like to add a little extra flavor.

Step 2: Layer the Crockpot

Start by placing a layer of sliced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker. This prevents the meat from sticking and adds flavor as it cooks. Lay the cube steaks on top in a single layer or slightly overlapping.

Step 3: Make the Gravy Mix

In a bowl, whisk together the brown gravy mix, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, garlic powder, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. This combination forms the flavorful gravy that will cook with the meat.

Step 4: Pour and Cover

Pour the gravy mixture over the steaks in the slow cooker, making sure everything is coated. Use a spatula or spoon to spread it evenly. Cover the crockpot with the lid.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 4–5 hours. Low and slow gives the most tender result, but high works if you’re short on time.

Step 6: Optional Thickening

If the gravy needs to be thicker at the end, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the crockpot. Let it cook for an additional 15–20 minutes until thickened.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Spoon extra gravy over the top and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

---

How Long to Prepare the Crockpot Cube Steak with Gravy

Preparation Time:
You’ll need about 10 to 15 minutes of hands-on prep time. That includes slicing onions, mixing the gravy ingredients, and layering everything in the slow cooker. It’s quick and doesn’t require any searing or complex steps, making it ideal for busy days.

Cooking Time:
For best results, cook on Low for 6–8 hours. This low and slow approach lets the cube steak break down and become ultra-tender. In a pinch, you can cook it on High for 4–5 hours, but the texture may not be quite as soft.

---

Tips for Perfect Crockpot Cube Steak with Gravy

• Use fresh cube steak when possible for the best texture and flavor.
• Don’t skip the Worcestershire sauce — it deepens the savory flavor of the gravy.
• Layer onions first to prevent sticking and infuse the meat with flavor.
• Taste before serving — adjust seasoning with salt only at the end, since the soup and gravy mix are already salty.
• Let the gravy rest with the lid off for 10 minutes before serving to thicken slightly.

---

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcrowding the Crockpot – This can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure steaks are mostly in a single layer.
• Adding salt too early – With gravy mix and soup, it’s easy to over-salt. Always taste first.
• Skipping the gravy mix – It’s crucial for flavor and texture. Homemade alternatives are fine, but don’t skip it.
• Lifting the lid during cooking – Every time you do, it releases heat and slows down cooking.
• Using low-fat soup – It might make the gravy watery and less creamy.

---

What to Serve With Crockpot Cube Steak with Gravy?

1. Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes are the ultimate pairing for this dish — they soak up all that rich gravy perfectly.

2. Steamed Green Beans

A light, fresh vegetable like green beans balances the richness of the steak and gravy.

3. Buttered Egg Noodles

Another carb option that holds the gravy well and is easy to prepare.

4. Roasted Carrots

Their natural sweetness complements the savory depth of the dish beautifully.

5. Buttermilk Biscuits

Soft and flaky biscuits are great for sopping up any extra gravy on the plate.

---

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration:
Store leftover cube steak and gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually get better the next day!

Freezing:
You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe bags or containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of beef broth or water if the gravy thickened too much in storage.

---

Estimated Nutrition (per serving — based on 6 servings)

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 33g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Sugar: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 880mg
• Cholesterol: 95mg

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What is cube steak made from?

Cube steak is usually a cut of top round or top sirloin that’s been tenderized mechanically. It has a distinct texture and cooks well in slow braises.

Can I use frozen cube steak?

Yes, but it’s best to thaw the steak before adding to the crockpot to ensure even cooking and better absorption of flavors.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely. Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to hold everything in a relatively even layer, and increase the cooking time slightly if necessary.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free gravy mix and a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup alternative. Always double-check labels.

Can I cook this on the stovetop or in the oven?

Yes! You can simmer it in a covered pot on low heat for 1.5–2 hours, or bake at 325°F in a covered dish for a similar amount of time.

---

Conclusion

Crockpot Cube Steak with Gravy is the kind of recipe that brings cozy comfort with every bite. It’s effortlessly easy, deeply flavorful, and reliably satisfying — especially when paired with classic sides like mashed potatoes or biscuits. Whether you’re feeding a family or just want an easy dinner with leftovers, this dish deserves a permanent spot in your meal rotation.

---

Print

Save this recipe on: